Greenhouse Cultures for Camellia Japonica

Pots

• Put camellias in heavy 10- to 15-gallon pots with drainage holes for balance and drainage. Camellias require adequate room and drainage for their roots, and stop growing in standing water. Start with large pots to avoid immediate transplant.

Potting Soil

• North Carolina State University notes that Japanese camellias do best in moist, acidic and loose soil for drainage and circulation. The University also recommends soil with a generous organic content for nutrition. Put the camellia in a combination of one part organic compost to one part bagged garden soil for rich, acidic and crumbly soil. Avoid light potting soil, which doesn't maintain moisture for the plants.

Site and Temperature

• Japanese camellias do best in partial to filtered sun and may burn or reduce their flowering in too much bright light. Put the shrubs in shaded areas of the greenhouse or build protection with arbors and shade cloth. If you have taller trees growing in the greenhouse, put the camellias under them for filtered sunlight. Give the shrubs three to four hours of light every day for best blooming. Maintain temperatures above freezing with heaters and greenhouse fans.

Maintenance

• Camellias demonstrate some drought tolerance but do best with frequent waterings and may dry more quickly in heated greenhouse environments. Water the shrubs with 2 inches of water every week and spray the foliage with water during winter to prevent heater-induced drying. Feed Japanese camellias in spring, after blooming, with fertilizer for acid-loving plants. Follow manufacturer directions for safe and balanced fertilizer applications.